Diagnostic Tests & Imaging

Diagnostic Tests can help identify the cause of an illness, or injury and confirm a diagnosis.

Enigma Healthcare offer a range of diagnostic tests across multiple specialities. We offer direct access to private ultrasound scans for people with or without private medical insurance. Depending on the scan or test you require you may need a referral from your GP. Alternatively, you can see our private GP to arrange this for you.

DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES WE PROVIDE

Tests that we carry out are:

Ultrasound Scan (usually the scan lasts 15 - 20 minutes)
ECHO (heart scan)
Biopsies
Blood tests
Blood Pressure Monitoring
ECG Testing
Biochemistry
Haemotology
Private GP Service

Ultrasound

Ultrasound scan is a diagnostic procedure used to take pictures of internal organs and tissues. Our Ultrasound scans are reported by Consultant Radiologists, which ensures that you receive the highest level of care every time. An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal organs – the same technology as the sonar used by ships. These images are displayed on a monitor and can then be stored electronically.

Ultrasound is used for a variety of scans including:

Musculoskeletal ultrasound – particularly to look at soft tissue injury. The scan can be used to localise injections into trigger points
Gynaecological Ultrasound
Echocardiography – ultrasound can give a dynamic picture of how the heart is working and allows you cardiologist to measure the output of the heart and the effects of diseases
Abdominal scans – ultrasound scanning is the best way to look for gallstones, but it is also valuable for looking at the liver, spleen, kidneys and other solid organs
Vascular system – ultrasound is very effective at identifying and monitoring aortic aneurysms and is a non-invasive way of determining the site of an arterial obstruction
Testicular Screen
Neck lumps – including thyroid

Book an ultrasound scan from £140

Cardiovascular Screening Tests

Echochardiography (ECHO)

An Echocardiography, more commonly referred to as an Echo Heart Scan, is an ultrasound test which allows the cardiologist to see accurate pictures of the heart muscle, the pumping chambers and the heart valves.

A probe is placed on the chest wall and an inaudible ultrasound beam passes out from the probe, reflects back from the structures within the heart and allows the cardiologist to build up an accurate image of the heart. A variety of views are taken to look at the heart structures. When these views are completed, a Doppler analysis is performed to analyse blood flow from chamber to chamber and across valves. More specialised analyses can be done looking at particular areas of the heart muscle, its movement and its relaxation.

The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes and is non-invasive.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is easily performed in the clinic and gives information on the rate and rhythm of the heart, both which may be changed in the event of cardiac disease.

In addition, an ECG maps the electrical activity of the heart as it beats. This has a well-defined pattern and alterations in this are indicators of heart disease.

Carotid Screening

More commonly known as a carotid doppler is a painless ultrasound test to measure the flow of blood through your carotid arteries.

You have two carotid arteries. They are the main arteries that supply blood and oxygen to your head and neck. Due to a build-up of plaque, your carotid arteries can become narrowed causing a restricted flow of blood called carotid artery disease. This could lead to a stroke. Your consultant may recommend a carotid doppler test if you have had a previous stroke or they feel you may be at risk of having a stroke. Your carotid doppler test will be recorded and then analysed by a consultant radiologist.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening (AAA)

Is a way of checking if there’s a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from your heart down through your tummy. It can be serious if it’s not spotted early on because it could get bigger and eventually burst (rupture). Men aged 65 or over are most at risk of getting AAAs. Screening can help spot a swelling in the aorta early on when it can usually be treated. If an AAA is found, you can choose to have regular scans to monitor it or surgery to stop it bursting. The screening test is very quick, painless and reliable.

Blood Tests

Enigma Healthcare offer a range of private blood tests to help with your diagnosis and monitor conditions. A blood test is the best way to help diagnosis certain conditions, infection and check how your body is generally functioning. You can have a blood test without a referral from your own GP and can request the results are send back to them or you can arrange to see one of our Private GPs.